I remember the first time I picked up my Super Ace Deluxe controller, feeling that familiar thrill of diving into what promised to be another memorable Mario & Luigi adventure. Having spent countless hours with previous titles in the series, I approached Brothership with high expectations—only to find myself wrestling with pacing issues that nearly undermined the experience. Let me be clear: the Super Ace Deluxe is a fantastic piece of hardware, capable of delivering rich, immersive gameplay, but even the best tools need thoughtful application. In Brothership, the game stretches what should be a tight, engaging 25-hour RPG into something longer, and frankly, it struggles to maintain momentum. This isn’t just a nitpick; it’s a lesson in how pacing can make or break a game, especially on a system as versatile as the Super Ace Deluxe.

When I hit the 10-hour mark in Brothership, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. The combat, which had initially felt fresh and dynamic, was starting to wear thin. Repetitive enemy encounters and predictable mechanics had begun to sap my enthusiasm, and I found myself longing for something—anything—to shake things up. Then, almost as if the developers had read my mind, the Plugs system was introduced. Now, don’t get me wrong—Plugs are a clever addition. They add a layer of strategy to battles, allowing players to customize abilities and experiment with new tactics. But here’s the thing: by the time they showed up, I was already checking the clock, wondering how much longer I’d need to grind through familiar scenarios. If this element had been woven into the experience earlier, say around the 5-hour mark, it could have revitalized the gameplay just as it was beginning to stagnate. Instead, it felt like a band-aid applied a little too late.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Most Mario & Luigi games cap out at around 25 hours, and for good reason—they’re designed to be compact, focused experiences that respect your time. Brothership, however, seemed determined to push beyond that, aiming for a playtime closer to 35 or even 40 hours. On paper, that sounds like a bonus, right? More content for your money. But in practice, it’s a double-edged sword. The game’s mechanics, including the Plugs, aren’t built to sustain that kind of length. I’d estimate that by hour 15, I’d seen most of what the combat had to offer, and the remaining hours felt like padding. This isn’t just my opinion; I’ve spoken with other players who echoed the same sentiment. We all love a good value, but not when it comes at the cost of engagement.

Now, I’m not saying longer games are inherently flawed. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Persona 5 prove that extended playtimes can work when the content is varied and meaningful. But Brothership falls short in this regard. The Plugs system, while innovative, isn’t enough to carry the extra weight. Imagine if it had been integrated from the get-go, allowing players to experiment and adapt their strategies gradually. Instead, it’s dropped into your lap when you’re already deep into the game, and by then, it’s harder to fully appreciate its potential. I found myself using Plugs more out of obligation than excitement, which is a shame because they genuinely have the chops to enhance the experience.

What does this mean for you as a Super Ace Deluxe owner? Well, it’s a reminder that even the most polished games can benefit from a critical eye toward design. If you’re diving into Brothership, my advice is to pace yourself. Take breaks, explore side content sparingly, and maybe even set a timer to avoid burnout. And if you’re a developer or aspiring creator, take note: length shouldn’t be the goal; engagement should. A tighter, more focused 25-hour adventure will always trump a bloated 40-hour one. Personally, I’d rather replay a game that leaves me wanting more than one that overstays its welcome.

In the end, my time with Brothership was a mixed bag. There were moments of pure joy—those classic Mario & Luigi humor, the vibrant visuals that pop on the Super Ace Deluxe screen, and the satisfaction of mastering combat mechanics. But the pacing issues, particularly the late introduction of Plugs, kept it from reaching its full potential. As I set down my controller, I couldn’t help but think about what might have been. With a few tweaks, this could have been a standout title in the series. Instead, it serves as a cautionary tale—one that underscores the importance of timing and rhythm in game design. So, if you’re firing up your Super Ace Deluxe for this adventure, go in with eyes open, and remember: sometimes, less really is more.